admin
Takudzwa Chitsiga
Sports Reporter
SUPPORT Unit Academy coach Simon Mayakayaka believes the upcoming Tinashe Simbo Soccer Tournament will go a long way in promoting junior football.
The tournament scheduled for July 1 and July 18 will see several age groups from Under-10, 14, 16 and 18s battling it out for medals.
United States-based former Support Unit Academy and Dynamos juniors’ midfielder Tinashe Simbo is the man behind the organisation of the tournament.
For Support Unit Academy’s Mayakayaka, the tournament is a platform for development and would be aiming to use it to showcase some of the talents under their purview.
The academy is credited with producing Brighton Christopher, who is with army side Black Rhinos, Archford Nyamajiwa (GreenFuel) and Shawn Mutongi who is playing at ZIFA Eastern Region Division One side Bikita Minerals.
Mayakayaka’s passion for soccer has also seen him help young players secure scholarships. Players like Oliver Futwa now at St Johns Chikwaka, Prince Gurudza at Ellis Robins and Benedict Passo at Allan Wilson, are some of the beneficiaries of the scholarships.
“Preparations for the first edition of the Tinashe Simbo soccer tournament are now at an advanced stage and we have a week left before the first tournament.
“I am grateful to all those who have supported the initiative because Simbo has not forgotten where he came from by organising such a big event.
“We are looking forward to bringing together at least 16 teams and I am happy with the responses we got from some of the academies that have shown so much interest.
“I got the support from ZIFA technical director, Wilson Mutekede, Nelson Matongorere, Alois Bunjira and Dynamos assistant coach Genesis Mangombe. There is also Lesley Mavezere and All Stars Juniors Football Academy’s Tinashe Masunda, who are so supportive of the initiative,” said Mayakayaka.
Online Reporter